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The Actor Headshot Guide
How to prepare, what to wear, how to bring real intention to camera, and how to use your headshots, so casting sees the actor who walks into the room. Fill out the form and your download appears right away.
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What's Inside the Actor Headshot Guide
What casting looks for
Alive eyes, a clear type and a face that matches the actor who walks into the room.
Theatrical vs commercial
Two registers, two headshots: expression, lighting, wardrobe, backdrop and retouching for each.
Light, backdrops + your looks list
Lighting that signals your type, and how to build a looks list for one- and two-look sessions.
Wardrobe, hair + makeup
Necklines, colors and what to skip, plus hair and makeup that look like you at the audition.
Posing + intention
The squinch, the forehead-forward jawline technique, and the specific thought behind the eyes.
Selects + submitting
Choosing what submits, retouching that still looks like you, 8x10s, resumes and casting sites.
Book Your Actor Headshot Session
See what each session includes on the actor headshot sessions page, or see Boston actor headshots.
Example portraits are AI-generated illustrations created to show each look clearly. They are not photographs of Photography Shark clients.
Posing + Intention Techniques Inside
The posing chapters cover the small adjustments and the specific thinking that make a headshot feel alive at thumbnail size. You don't need to memorize them; we direct every frame. For more, see commercial vs theatrical headshots and the actor headshot and resume guide.
The squinch
A slight upward tightening of the lower eyelids, not a squint. It reads as focused and present instead of surprised.
Forehead forward, chin down
Lead with your forehead toward the camera, then bring your chin down a touch. It defines the jawline without lifting or tucking.
The thought behind the eyes
A generic expression gets a generic read. Think something specific: casting responds to a specific thought.
Theatrical register
Quieter and internal: the moment just before something happens, usually with directional Rembrandt or loop light.
Commercial register
Open and warm: a smile that reaches the eyes, brighter light and a lighter backdrop.
Conversation, not poses
Real questions and real reactions between frames. Reset often; the unrepeatable moments are usually the keepers.
Actor Headshot Guide FAQ
Is the actor headshot guide free?
Yes. Fill out the short form and the 15-page PDF download appears right away. It covers preparation, theatrical and commercial looks, wardrobe, posing and intention, and submitting your headshots.
What is the difference between theatrical and commercial headshots?
A theatrical headshot shows depth and type for theater, film and TV drama: a quieter, internal expression, directional light and darker neutrals. A commercial headshot shows warmth for advertising and broadcast: an open, warm smile, softer brighter light and lighter colors. Most working actors need both.
How many outfits should I bring to an actor headshot session?
Bring three to four outfits that cover your range, with at least one theatrical and one commercial look. Fit matters more than price, and we review everything together before we shoot.